‘Steel Curtain’ sting yields six arrests

Six Beaumont scrap yards were busted by Beaumont Police after a six-month long undercover investigation discovered the businesses were buying illegal scrap metal, the Beaumont Police said in a statement released Aug. 1.

In what was called Operation Steel Curtain, members from Beaumont PD’s Criminal Investigation Division and Special Assignment Unit and Street Crimes Unit conducted the investigation. Salvage Yard on Wheels, V.V. Recycling, Angels’ Scrap, Commercial Metal Corporation, Wright’s Scrap Recycling and Beaumont Iron & Metal Corporation were all cited for buying illegal metal. Salvage Yard on Wheels, Angel’s Scrap Yard and Commercial Metal Corporation were temporarily closed after officers conducted inspections on the businesses. The investigation also led to six arrests, including five of those who had state jail felony warrants. According to Beaumont Police, During the undercover operation, these businesses purchased restricted items such as gravestone markers, City of Beaumont street signs, and City of Beaumont manhole covers as well as items marked with corporation names such as Entergy and AT&T. The metal being sold by undercover officers was valued at over $10,000. The businesses illegally purchasing the items paid approximately $1,000 for the restricted metal.